Networked weight scale for smart ordering

ABSTRACT

A system is described including a scale device for measuring weight of a food container, wherein one or more applications run on at least one processor of the scale device and are configured to detect weight of the food container and its contents using the scale device. The one of more applications are configured to detect a first weight measurement of the food container, wherein the first weight measurement includes weight of the food container and a first amount of food, to detect a second weight measurement of the food container, wherein the second weight measurement includes the weight of the food container, the first amount of food, and a second amount of food, wherein the second weight measurement is an updated weight measurement of the food container, to subsequently log weight measurements of the food container at time intervals, and to intermittently adjust and monitor the updated weight measurement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, whichmay be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework tofacilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this sectionshould be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of priorart.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of animal feeding devices.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure set forth herein relates to systems and methods formonitoring an amount of food in an animal feeding device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present inventions can be betterunderstood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts areappended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawingsillustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are thereforenot to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit toother equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an animal feeding system of the presentinvention, in one embodiment. The feeding system includes a containerfor holding dry pet food, and a processor for controlling how food isdispensed into a bowl in response to programming.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the animal feeding system of FIG.1A, but showing certain components in exploded-apart relation. Thesecomponents include, for example, the container, a housing and the bowl.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the animal feeding system of FIG.1A in a modified embodiment. Here, the housing has been removed toexpose a conveyor system and a drive motor. The system includes amicro-processor that is in electrical communication with a separate usercontrol.

FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of a micro-processor from the animal feedingsystem of FIG. 1C. The micro-processor is in wireless electricalcommunication with a separate remote control in the form of a portabledigital assistant.

FIGS. 2A through 2D provide views of components of a conveyor system tobe used in the animal feeding system of FIG. 1A. The conveyor systemincludes a compartmentalized conveyor belt.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the conveyor system, with a side wall removedto expose the conveyor belt. A pair of pulleys is seen used forsupporting and for turning the conveyor. A mechanical agitator is alsovisible.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the conveyor system of FIG. 2A, withboth side walls intact. The conveyor belt includes a series ofcompartments for holding defined volumes of dry pet food.

FIG. 2C is another perspective view of the conveyor system of FIG. 2B,but shown from a side opposite that of FIG. 2A. No food is in thecompartments of the conveyor belt.

FIG. 2D is still another perspective view of the conveyor system of FIG.2B, but with components shown in exploded-apart relation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an animal feeding system. In thisarrangement, separate compartments are provided for dry pet food and forpet treats.

FIG. 4 illustrates the animal feeding system of FIG. 3 in operativerelation to a remotely located user control unit. The control unit isconfigured to magnetically and removably reside on the door of arefrigerator, and is used for controlling or programming the animalfeeding system, in one embodiment. Certain components of the feedingsystem are shown in exploded-apart relation.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a control panel designed to reside onthe housing of the animal feeding system, in one embodiment. In thisarrangement, the control panel serves as a user control unit.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of an animal feeding system in electricalcommunication with alternative user control units. Here, the controlunits are remote control units.

FIGS. 7A and 7B present schematic views of a conveyor-operated animalfeeding system in wireless electrical communication with a remote usercontrol unit. A display of the control unit is shown.

In FIG. 7A, a feeding schedule is shown on the display. In FIG. 7B, areal time status report concerning feeding is shown on the display.

FIGS. 8A and 8B present additional schematic views of aconveyor-operated animal feeding system in wireless electricalcommunication with a remote user control unit. A display of the controlunit is again shown.

In FIG. 8A, a real time status report concerning feeding is shown on thedisplay, indicating the feeding bowl as full. In FIG. 8B, a real timestatus report concerning feeding is shown on the display, indicatingthat a pet has approached the feeding bowl.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C present additional schematic views of aconveyor-operated animal feeding system in wireless electricalcommunication with a remote user control unit. A display of the controlunit is again shown.

In FIG. 9A, a new feeding schedule is shown on the display, showing atimed feeding. In FIG. 9B, a real time status report concerning feedingis shown on the display, indicating that food has been dispensed. InFIG. 9C, a real time status report concerning feeding is shown on thedisplay, indicating that the feeding bowl has been emptied.

FIGS. 10A and 10B present additional schematic views of aconveyor-operated animal feeding system in wireless electricalcommunication with a remote user control unit. A display of the controlunit is again shown.

In FIG. 10A, a new feeding schedule is shown. In FIG. 10B, a real timestatus report concerning feeding is shown, indicating that the pet hasreceived a treat.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a user control unit in wirelesscommunication with a conveyor-operated animal feeding device. Here, areal time status report of feeding activity is provided on a display.

FIG. 12A presents an illustrative display from the user control unit ofFIG. 11, showing health status and goals for a pet.

FIG. 12B presents another illustrative display from the control unit ofFIG. 11, showing a feeding schedule and user notes.

FIG. 12C presents still another view of the display from the controlunit of FIG. 11. An emotional feed button is shown, ready to dispense atreat.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an animal feeding system, under anembodiment.

FIG. 14 shows an animal feeding system communicatively coupled with asmartphone and an access point through a wireless communicationsnetwork, under an embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a tare weight scale, under an embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a tare weight scale in a networked environment, under anembodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a model for estimating rate of consumption, under anembodiment.

FIG. 18 shows a method for estimating and monitoring rate ofconsumption, under an embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a system for monitoring an amount of food in a foodcontainer, under an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Definitions

For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatiallyrelative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,”“below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein forease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It willbe understood that the spatially relative terms are intended toencompass different orientations of the device in use or operation inaddition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if thedevice in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as“below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below”can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may beotherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the term “pellet” means a substantially dry, granularpiece of food, of any shape, that may be consumed by a canine or felineor other similar household pet. The term “pellet” includes semi-moistkibbles.

DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an animal feeding system 100 of thepresent invention, in one embodiment. The feeding system 100 is shown asan integral unit. The feeding system 100 generally includes a container110 for holding dry pet food, and a housing 105 for holding internalcomponents.

The container 110 removably resides on top of the housing 105. Thecontainer 110 may be a transparent or translucent body having asubstantially hollow interior. (The interior is shown at 115 in FIG.1B.) The interior 115 is dimensioned to receive and hold a dry,pelletized pet food. Preferably, the container 110 is fabricated from alightweight material such as a polycarbonate. Ideally, the container 110is at least partially supported by the housing 105.

FIG. 1A also shows an illustrative bag of pet food at 150. The bag 150,of course, is not part of the system 100; however, the bag 150 is shownto demonstrate a source for pelletized food (seen in a bowl 140 at 152)that is placed into the container 110. The food may be, for example, dogfood.

The animal feeding system 100 of FIG. 1A also shows a feeding bowl 140.The illustrative feeding bowl 140 includes an upper rim 142 and asupporting base 144. The bowl 140 defines an open container 145 forreceiving pellets of the dry pet food (seen at 152 in FIG. 1C). The bowl140 is positioned to gravitationally receive the pet food from aconveyor system (seen at 230 in FIGS. 2A through 2D) that resides andoperates within the housing 105.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the animal feeding system 100 ofFIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, certain parts of the system 100 are shown inexploded apart relation. These components include the container 110, thehousing 105 and the bowl 140. A bracket 146 for supporting the bowl 140is also shown. Of interest, the container 110 includes an upper end 112for receiving the lid 116, and a lower end 114. The lower end 114 of thecontainer 110 has a funneled (or frusto-conical) opening 116 throughwhich dog feed gravitationally travels.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the animal feeding system 100 ofFIG. 1A, in a modified embodiment. In this view, the housing 105 hasbeen removed to expose a conveyor belt 230. The conveyor belt 230 isbroken up into compartments (shown at 235 in FIG. 2B), and is cycled bya drive motor 130 that is operated by a controller. The controller ispreferably a micro-processor 160, which in turn is in wired electricalcommunication with a separate user control (seen in FIG. 1D at 170). Itis understood that the controller 160 may operate through hardware,firmware, software, or some combination thereof.

FIG. 1C also provides a perspective view of the container 110. As shown,the container 110 has a top end 112 and a lower end 114. The lower end114 has an angled surface to facilitate gravitational movement of thepet food. A bottom portion of the lower end 114 includes an opening 116for delivering the dry pet food 152 (shown in FIG. 1A) from the angledsurface.

The pet food is gravitationally dispensed from the container 110,through the opening 116, and into a receptacle 120. In the illustrativearrangement of FIG. 1C, the receptacle 120 is a cylindrical body havingan open top end 122 and a closed bottom end 124. Preferably, the opentop end 122 defines a lip 126 fabricated from an elastomeric or plasticmaterial for receiving and supporting the container 110.

In the arrangement of FIG. 1C, the receptacle 120 is shown as anindependent body. The receptacle 120 includes an open wall portion 128.The open wall portion 128 is dimensioned to accommodate the conveyorbelt 230. In a more preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1A, thereceptacle 120 is integral to the housing 105 and forms a catch basinbelow the lower end 114 of the container 110 for catching the pet food.

The conveyor system 200 is configured to move pellets of pet foodaccording to timed cycles. To do this, the conveyor system 200 works inconjunction with the drive motor 130. The motor 130 is an electric motorthat resides within a suitable housing 132. Preferably, the housing 132is fabricated from a durable, water resistant material such as metal orplastic. The motor 130 may be battery operated, but may alternativelyoperate under line power (electrical cord not shown). The motor 130 mayhave an external on/off switch, but alternatively is controlled througha digital, wireless control unit.

When activated, the drive motor 130 turns a drive shaft 134. The driveshaft 134, in turn, rotates a conveyor shaft (shown at 232 in FIG. 2B)and connected drive pulley (shown at 234 in FIG. 2B). Rotation of theconveyor shaft 232 is indicated in FIG. 2B at Arrow “D.” The mechanicalinterface between the drive shaft 132 and the conveyor shaft 232 may beby means of a gear. Turning of the conveyor shaft 232 causes theconveyor belt 230 to be actuated. In this way, the conveyor belt 230 isrotated by the electric motor 130 to pick up volumes of the dry pet foodfrom the receptacle 120.

A user control unit is shown in FIG. 1A at 170′. This represents acontrol unit that is integral to the housing 105. The control unit 170′preferably includes an LCD display 175′. As an alternative, or inaddition, a remote user control unit may be employed. An example in FIG.1D.

FIG. 1D provides an enlarged schematic view of the micro-processor 160from the animal feeding system 100 of FIG. 1A. The micro-processor 160resides on a printed circuit board 161. The micro-processor 160 is inwireless electrical communication with a control unit 170″ by means ofan associated receiver (or transceiver) 164 The control unit 170″defines a micro-processor and a transmitter (or transceiver), andenables the user to program and remotely control feeding cycles andoptions for the feeding system 100.

Food delivery instructions are delivered by the user to the system 100using wireless signals 172. The control unit 170″ includes a display175″. The display 175″ ideally allows for a touch-screen user interface.Preferably, the control unit 170″ represents a so-called tablet thatcommunicates with the transceiver 164 associated with themicro-processor 160 through Blue-Tooth, IR, Zigbee, WiFi, atelecommunications network, or other protocol. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 170″ may be a general purpose computer that communicateswith the transceiver 164 associated with the micro-processor 160 througha telecommunications network. Alternatively still, the control unit 170″may be a dedicated remote control that operates in proximity to thesystem 100 through the use of IR signals.

As noted, the feeding system 100 also includes a feeding bowl 140. Thebowl may be fabricated from any material that is easily cleaned such asstainless steel, plastic, ceramic or even glass. The illustrativefeeding bowl 140 includes an upper rim 142 and a supporting base 144.The bowl 140 defines an open container 145 for receiving the pellets 152of dry pet food. The bowl 140 is positioned to gravitationally receivethe pet food from the conveyor belt 230 as the conveyor belt 230 isrotated by the drive shaft 132 in accordance with programminginstructions.

In the arrangement of FIG. 1C, the bowl 140 is spaced-apart from thereceptacle 120 and held in proper position by a bar 146 or other supportmeans. The bar 146 prevents the container 145 from shifting duringfeeding, causing the conveyor belt 230 to “miss” the bowl 140 duringdispensing. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 1B, the bowl 140 is anindependent container 145 that may be freely removed for cleaning.

FIGS. 2A through 2D provide enlarged views of the conveyor system 200 ofthe animal feeding system of FIGS. 1A and 1C.

First, FIG. 2A provides a side view of the conveyor belt 230. One of theside walls 237 has been removed to expose the conveyor belt 230 forillustration. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the conveyor belt 230 ofFIG. 2A, with both side walls 237 intact. From FIG. 2B it can be seenthat the conveyor belt 230 includes a series of compartments 235 forholding defined volumes of dry pet food. The walls 237 help to definethe compartments 235.

FIG. 2C is another perspective view of at least a portion of theconveyor system 200. Here, the conveyor system 200 is shown from a sideopposite that of FIG. 2A. No food is seen in the conveyor belt 230. FIG.2D is another perspective view of portions of the conveyor system 200,but with components shown in exploded-apart relation. Multiple threadedconnectors 250 are seen, also exploded apart. The conveyor system 200will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A through 2D, together.

As noted, the conveyor system 200 first includes a conveyor belt 230.The conveyor belt 230 is fabricated from a durable and flexiblematerial, such as rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic, or combinationsthereof. Preferably, the conveyor is fabricated from a material that canbe easily wiped or suctioned for removing food particles.

The conveyor belt 230 may be about 1.5 to 3.0 inches in width, and1/16-inch to ⅛-inch in thickness. The conveyor belt 230 may be one long,continuous seam of material; alternatively, the conveyor belt 230 may beassembled by linking two or three or more lengths of material together,end-to-end, to form a continuous loop.

The conveyor belt 230 has opposing first 231 and second 233 ends. Thedrive pulley 234 resides at the first end 231, which is the lower end,while an idle pulley 236 resides at the second opposing end 233, whichis the upper end. The conveyor belt 230 rotates or cycles about the twopulleys 234, 236.

The drive motor 134 is in electrical communication with themicro-processor 160. This is preferably done through a wire 162associated with the printed circuit board 161 residing within a samehousing 132 as the electric motor 130, or otherwise residing withinhousing 105. The micro-processor 160 interfaces with a transceiver 164that receives wireless signals from the control unit 170′ and/or 170″.The transceiver 164 will include an antenna (not separately shown) toradiate or receive radio waves or other wireless signals.

In operation, the drive motor 130 rotates the drive shaft 132 accordingto a designated speed. The speed may optionally be determined by the petowner during programming using the control unit 170″. As described morefully below, some larger dogs tend to gulp their food, creating healthissues for the animal. For these owners, a “slow-feed” setting, or mode,may be selected that causes food to be dispensed from a conveyor end(seen in FIG. 1B at 239) much more slowly.

In any mode, the drive shaft 132 is mechanically engaged with androtates the conveyor shaft 232. The conveyor shaft 232 resides withinand rotates the drive pulley 234. The drive pulley 234 is mechanicallyconnected to and turns the conveyor belt 230 at the first end 231. Inthis way, the conveyor belt 230 is rotated by the electric motor 130 anddrive shaft 132 to pick up volumes of the dry pet food.

Of interest, the conveyor belt 230 includes a series of cleats, orraised ribs 238. In one aspect, the ribs 238 are spaced apart in 2-inchsegments. Alternatively, the ribs 238 are spaced apart in 2.5-inchsegments, or 3-inch segments. The ribs 238 are preferably about 0.75 to2.5 inches in height. In this way, a volume between about 2.25 in³ to22.5 in³ is provided for individual compartments 235.

The ribs 238 aid in the transporting of pet food 152 along the conveyorbelt 230. Ideally, the ribs 238 are equidistantly spaced apart in such amanner as to create designed volumes within compartments 235. Forexample, a volume between ribs 238 may be ⅛th of a cup (1.8 in³), or ¼thof a cup (3.6 in³), or ½ of a cup (7.2 in³). Rotation of the conveyorbelt 230 is timed so that the conveyor belt 230 is advanced to deliverone ⅛th of a cup, or two ⅛th of a cup (i.e., ¼th of a cup), for example.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the amount offood that is delivered in one cycle is a function of the length of timein which the motor 130 turns the drive shaft 132, and the volume of thecompartments 235.

In one aspect, the user selects the slow-feed mode. This causes thedrive shaft 132 to turn very slowly, such as 1.0 Hz, or 1.5 Hz, and overa period of time that is 30 seconds, or 40 seconds, for example. Theresult is that ⅛th of a cup of food is delivered over the 30 second, orthe 40 second, time period. This forces the animal waiting for food tobe delivered to eat slowly.

As noted, opposing walls 237 are provided along the conveyor belt 230.The walls 237 hold the pet food 150 between the raised ribs 138, therebyproviding the compartments 235 described above. The walls 237 terminateat a chute 239. The chute 239 defines an exit opening, such that the petfood may be dropped from the chute 239 and into the food bowl 140 as theconveyor belt 230 is cycled. The chute is located at the end 136 of theconveyor belt 230.

Cycling of the conveyor belt 230 causes pellets of the dry pet food(shown at 152 in FIG. 1A) to move from the receptacle 120, along theconveyor belt 230, and into a separate feeding bowl 140. Morespecifically, pellets of food 152 are dropped from the chute 239 andinto an opening (or open top) 145 in the bowl 140.

The conveyor belt 230 shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D is set at about a 50°angle. It is desirable to use at least a 15 degree angle, and morepreferably at least a 20° angle, a 30° angle, or even a 45° anglerelative to horizontal to provide clearance for the chute 239 above thebowl 140.

In one aspect, the conveyor system 200 includes a brush above theconveyor belt 230 at the lower end 231. The brush is not shown in thedrawings, but it is understood that the brush would maintain an even toplevel between the raised ribs 238. The brush would push excess food 152,or kibbles back towards a next compartment 235, thus helping to keepcompartment volumes consistent.

To further aid in moving pellets 152 from the container 110 to thereceptacle 120, an optional agitator 220 may be provided. The agitator220 is seen in FIGS. 2A through 2C. In one embodiment, the agitator 220defines an elongated tooth that extends upward from the receptacle 120and into the lower opening 116 of the container 110. The agitator 220reciprocates in order to move and dislodge pellets 152 at the base 114of the container 114.

As shown best in FIG. 2C, the agitator 220 is reciprocated through aseries of pivot connections 221, 223, 225. First, a pin resides alongthe conveyor shaft 232. This pin serves as a first pivot connection 221.A pair of arms 222, 224 resides intermediate the first pivot connection221 and the agitator 220. The two arms 222, 224 are connected by meansof a pin which serves as the second pivot connection 223. Finally, athird pin connects a distal end of the second arm 224 to a base 228 ofthe agitator 220. This pin serves as the third pivot connection 225.

As the conveyor shaft 232 rotates, the first pivot connection 221 isrotated. This causes a proximate end of the first arm 222 to rotate atthe drive pulley 234. Movement of the proximate end of the first arm222, in turn, imparts rotation of the pin at the second pivot connection223. This rotational movement produces reciprocation in a proximate endof the second arm 224 at the second pivot connection 223. As one ofordinary skill in the art will understand, this, in turn, imparts arotational movement at the third pivot connection 225.

In operation, the volume of food 150 that is dispensed by the conveyorsystem 200 is correlated to time. Thus, the system 200 is designed sothat, for example, operation of the motor 130 for 5 seconds producestwo, ⅛th cup compartments 225 of food 150. In another aspect, a volumeof pellets 152 dispensed is determined by tracking the number of raisedribs 138 that have passed by or across a visual or IR sensor. In eitherinstance, the use of the conveyor system 200 with a conveyor belt 230having compartments 225 between raised ribs 238 provides the user or petowner with the ability to select different feeding methods and feedingtimes for their pet.

In accordance with embodiments disclosed here, feeding may befree-choice, wherein a bowl is filled once or twice a day, as needed bythe user. In this instance, the conveyor belt 230 may be rotated asufficient amount of time to substantially fill the feeding bowl 140.This may occur, for example, once in the morning and once in the eveningas set by the pet owner using a digital timer. Alternatively, feedingmay be incremental, thereby providing portion control. In this instance,a limited portion of food 150 is delivered by rotating the conveyor belt230 for a shorter duration, but in, for example, two or four hourincrements. This prevents the pet from eating too much food in onefeeding.

In the animal feeding systems 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1C, a system isprovided for accurately feeding a pet in controlled amounts and atcontrolled times. The system 100 is shown in the context of dry pellets152. The pellets 152 gravitationally move from the container 110, downinto the receptacle 120, and then along the conveyor belt 230. Thepellets 152 are conveyed or moved to the chute 239 and then dropped intothe feeding bowl 140 in response to rotational movement of the conveyordrive shaft 232, moving the drive pulley 234.

Different embodiments of the animal feeding system 100 may be provided.

First, FIG. 3 provides a perspective view a pet feeding system 300 thatuses two separate containers—container 310 that holds dry pet food, andcontainer 330 that holds solid treats. The pet feeding system 300 isshown with certain parts in exploded-apart relation so that containers310 and 330 may be viewed.

The container 310 gravitationally releases dry pet food to a receptacle320, while solid treats are gravitationally (or otherwise) dispensedfrom the container 330 to a treat receptacle 335. Both the food and thetreats are ultimately dispensed into a bowl 340 using a conveyor systemin accordance with system 200. Alternatively, treats may move down anangled surface and directly through the chute 239 by opening a smallvalve (not shown) or by turning a drive-screw (not shown).

A wall 345 is shown, separating the food container 310 from the treatcontainer 330. It is noted, however, that the use of a container 330 anddispensing system for pet treats is optional and not preferred. Alsoseen in FIG. 3 is a bracket 346 for supporting the bowl 340 relative tothe dispensing system 300.

The system 100 (or 300) may be controlled remotely by using a digitallyprogrammable control unit 170. In one aspect, the user control unitresides on a fixture, such as an appliance, near the animal feedingsystem 100.

FIG. 4 is a general view of the animal feeding system 300, wherein thesystem 300 is residing in a user's kitchen. Here, the micro-processor160 is controlled by a dedicated remote control unit 470. The remotecontrol unit 470 presents various buttons 475 for sending commands andestablishing settings for the animal feeding system 300 as the userinterface. The remote control unit 470 communicates wirelessly with thesystem 300 through an RF, Zigbee, Blue Tooth or Wi-Fi transceiver orother wireless protocol to send wireless signals 472.

The remote control unit 470 is intended to reside close to the animalfeeding system 300. In the illustrative arrangement of FIG. 4, theremote control unit 470 is shown residing magnetically on a refrigeratordoor 450. In this instance, the animal feeding system 400 resides in ornear a user's kitchen.

The control unit 470 includes an optional “emotional feed button” 476.This button 476 may be pressed by the user to reward a pet. Pressingbutton 476 causes a treat to be dispensed from the treat container 330and into the bowl 340. Alternatively, individual food pellets 152 may bedispensed from the receptacle 320.

As an alternative to the remote control unit 470 residing near theanimal feeding system 300, the system 300 may have a user interface thatresides on the housing 305 of the system 300 itself. FIG. 5 is aperspective view showing a control unit 570, in one arrangement. Thecontrol unit 570 is shown in an enlarged view.

The control unit 570 may first include an LCD display screen 575. Thescreen 575 may be an interactive touch screen. Alternatively or inaddition, the control unit 570 may have separate pressure-sensitivecommand buttons. These buttons may include, for example, numerical (oralpha-numerical) buttons 530, an “a.m.” time button 532, and a “p.m.”time button 534.

The control unit 570 may optionally have separate “Food” 522 and “Treat”524 buttons. These allow the user to program the dispensing of food andtreats separately. The control unit 570 may also have a “mode” button532 which allows the user to cycle through feeding options. Thesefeeding options are discussed in more detail below.

As noted, a pet feeding system may alternatively be controlled remotelyusing a personal digital assistant, a portable tablet, or a computer.FIG. 6 is schematic view of an animal feeding system 600. This isintended to represent a system such as the feeding system 100 of FIG. 1.In the arrangement of FIG. 6, the animal feeding system 600 is inelectrical communication with alternative user control units 670A, 670B,670C.

A first control unit 670A represents a so-called smart phone or personaldigital assistant. The personal digital assistant 670A includes adisplay 675A that serves as a user interface. Examples of a suitablepersonal digital assistant include the iPhone® from Apple, Inc. ofCupertino, Calif., the Samsung® Galaxy of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.of the Republic of Korea, and the Droid RAZR® provided by Motorola, Inc.of Schaumburg, Ill. (It is acknowledged that Motorola, Inc. (or itstelecommunications-related assets) may now be owned by Google, Inc. andthat trademarks are likely owned by a trademark (or other IP) holdingcompany out of Cerritos, Calif.)

A second illustrative control unit 670B is a so-called tablet. Thetablet 670B includes a display 675B that serves as a user interface.Examples of a suitable tablet include the iPad® available from Apple,Inc., the Google® Nexus tablet, the Samsung® Galaxy tablet, the Amazon®Kindle Fire tablet, the Lenovo® ThinkPad tablet, and the Microsoft®Surface tablet. Tablets are also considered personal digital assistants.

A third illustrative control unit 670C represents a general purposecomputer. The computer 670C also includes a display 675C that serves asa user interface. General purpose computers may include the iMac®available from Apple, Inc., the Connectbook™ available fromHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. of Houston, Tex., theInspiron® from Dell Computer Corporation of Round Rock, Tex., and theATIV® from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Where a personal digital assistant 670A or a tablet 670B is used as theprocessor, a dedicated software application, or “App,” will need to beuploaded. Where a general purpose computer 670C is used as theprocessor, a software package may be downloaded from the Internet oruploaded from a so-called thumb drive or other device having memory.More preferably, a web-based application is used.

In any of the remote devices 670A, 670B, 670C, a wireless signal 672 issent to the feeding system 600. This will require the feeding system 600to have a transceiver (shown generally at 678 but consistent withtransceiver 164) capable of receiving wireless signals. Such signals arepreferably cellular-based signals sent through a wirelesstelecommunications network. However, other communications protocols maybe used such as a co-axial cable connection through a so-called cablesubscription or satellite service. Alternatively, a traditionalland-based telephone line may be used.

In one aspect, the animal feeding system 600 is able to determine thepresence of an animal. An animal is shown schematically at 690. Theanimal 690 is wearing a collar having a communication device 695. Thecommunication device 695 is in accordance with the device described inU.S. Pat. No. 8,436,735 entitled “System for Detecting InformationRegarding an Animal and Communicating the Information to a RemoteLocation.” The named inventor in that patent is Chris Mainini ofKnoxville, Tenn. The '735 patent is assigned to Radio SystemsCorporation and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the arrangement of FIG. 6, the communication device 695 delivers asignal to the animal feeding system 600 confirming the presence of theanimal in front of the bowl 640. When the presence of pet 690 is sensed,a certain portion of food may be dispensed or a certain treat may bedispensed by the conveyor belt 230. In one embodiment, the system 600may be able to discern between several pets, each of whom is wearing acommunication device 695. When the presence of a second pet (shown at1195 in FIG. 11) is sensed, a different portion of food may be dispensedor a different type of treat may be dispensed. Operation of such asystem is described further in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2011/0297090,entitled “Animal Feeding Apparatus.” That application is also owned byRadio Systems Corporation and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Each of the remote devices 670A, 670B, 670C will have a display 675A,675B, 675C. The display 675A, 675B, 675C will provide information to thepet owner about the status of the animal feeding system 600.Particularly, the display 675A, 675B, 675C will present a user interfacethat allows the pet owner to set or change the feeding mode and thefeeding schedule.

In one aspect, the animal feeding system 600 includes a module (notshown). The module is offered as an after-market product that allows afeeding system that otherwise does not include a transceiver associatedwith the micro-processor 160 to communicate wirelessly with the remotedevice 670A, 670B, 670C.

FIGS. 7A through 12C present an animal feeding system 700 with differentdisplays on a control unit 770. The control unit 770 is intended torepresent a personal digital assistant. The control unit 770 may beeither a so-called smart phone or a tablet. The control unit 770 servesas a user interface for ultimately sending signals 772 to the animalfeeding device 700 according to programming instructions that have beeninput by the user.

The user control unit 770 is in communication with an animal feedingdevice 700. Preferably, communication takes place through a web-basedplatform, or application, that sends signals to the feeding device 700.Such signals may be through a telecommunications network “I”.

The displays on the control unit 770 demonstrate optional feeding modesand functions for the system 700, in different embodiments. FIG. 7A is aschematic view showing a first display 775 for the control unit 770. Inthe view of FIG. 7A, the display 775 presents a feeding schedule. Thefeeding schedule operates according to a portion-control feeding method.Using the control unit 770, the pet owner inputs a desired portion offood and the times of day for feeding. The pet owner may set as manyfeeding times per day as desired. The option is also available to repeata designated cycle each day, or on certain days of the week. In thedisplay 775, each portion is ⅛th of a cup, with feeding being on twohour increments from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

FIG. 7B is a second schematic view showing the control unit 770 of FIG.7A in wireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. Here, areal time status report concerning feeding is shown in the display 775.The display 775 shows that food has been dispensed. In addition, thedisplay 775 shows that the pet 790 has approached the feeding bowl 740.

In FIG. 7B, pellets 752 of dry food are shown in a feeding bowl 740. Inaddition, a pet 790 is positioned in front of the feeding bowl 740. Thepet is wearing a communication device 795. The communication device mayagain be in accordance with the device described in U.S. Pat. Publ. No.2008/0190379 entitled “System for Detecting Information Regarding anAnimal and Communicating the Information to a Remote Location.” Thecommunication device 795 is worn by the pet 790 and communicates withthe control unit 770, either directly or through the feeding system 700,to inform the control unit 770 that the pet 790 is in position to eatfrom the feeding bowl 740, or is at least in close proximity to theanimal feeding device 700.

It is again observed that the pet 790 is fitted with a collar having atransmitter as the communication device 795. The transmitter iscustomized to communicate with the animal feeding device 700 through IR,Zigbee or Blue Tooth, or other wireless signal protocol. These signalsinform the animal feeding device 700 that the pet 790 has approached thebowl 740.

It is preferred that the display 775 shows whenever food 752 has beendispensed. This is beneficial to the remote pet owner who is not home tosee food in the bowl 740. Thus, the pet owner will receive anotification via a text message or through a software application ontheir personal digital assistant 770. Optionally, a notification willalso indicate when the pet 790 has approached the bowl 740. Thesemessages are again shown on the illustrative display 775 of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8A is another schematic view showing a display 875 for the controlunit 770. The control unit 770 is again in communication with the animalfeeding device 700 through a telecommunications network “I.” In the viewof FIG. 8A, the display 875 does not present a feeding schedule;instead, the system 700 is now programmed to keep the feeding bowl 740substantially full. This is according to a free-choice feeding method asselected by the pet owner.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the bowl 740 has dog food 752 therein. The bowl 740is optionally equipped with a weight sensor or an IR sensor that senseswhen the bowl 740 has dropped below a certain weight or when the food752 has fallen to a certain level. At such points, the conveyor belt 230is automatically activated to re-fill the bowl 740. Beneficially, theconveyor system 200 of the present invention is able to equate time ofactivation with volume of food dispensed.

In the display 875, the pet owner is informed that the food storagecontainer 710 is 50% full. This is based on readings from a separatesensor. Such a sensor may also be a weight sensor that senses when thecontainer 710 has dropped below a certain weight, or an IR sensor thatsenses when the food 752 in the container 710 has fallen to a certainlevel. The display 875 also informs the owner that the feeding bowl 740is “completely full” of food 752. The owner receives this notificationvia text message or “app” message to be reassured that his or her pethas plenty of food.

FIG. 8B is a second schematic view showing the control unit 770 inwireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. Here, amessage is being shown in the display 875 that a pet has approached thebowl 740. The feeding bowl 740 remains full of dry pellets 752.

It is noted that in FIG. 8B, a pet is again shown schematically at 790.The pet 790 is positioned in front of the bowl 740. The pet 790 iswearing a communication device 795 in accordance with the Mainini devicedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,436,735. The communication device 795 isworn by the pet 790 and communicates with the control unit 770, eitherdirectly or through the feeding system 700, to inform the control unit770 that the pet 790 is in position to eat from the feeding bowl 740.

FIG. 9A is another schematic view showing a display 975 for the controlunit 770. The control unit 770 is again in communication with the animalfeeding device 700 through a wireless communications network “I.” In theview of FIG. 9A, the display 975 again presents a feeding schedule.Here, the feeding schedule offers food portions to be dispensedperiodically in 1 cup increments. Feeding begins at 9:00 a.m., followedby feeding periods of 15 minutes every 105 minutes. Thus, food isavailable for a 15 minute period and then is removed from pet access.

In the view of FIG. 9A, the feeding bowl 740 is empty (or food isotherwise unavailable). In operation, the pet owner selects a time atwhich feeding is to be completed for each increment. This is done usingthe control unit 770. At the end of the feeding increment, a base in thebowl 740 is opened or tilted, causing food to be emptied from the bowl740 and dropped into a storage area (not shown). The food may beretrieved by the owner later and returned to the container 710. As analternative embodiment, a cover may rotate over the top of the bowl 740between feeding increments. This may be, for example, in accordance withthe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,657, also owned by Radio SystemsCorporation.

FIG. 9B is a second schematic view showing the control unit 770 inwireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. Here, a realtime status report concerning feeding is shown in the display 975. Thedisplay 975 shows that food was dispensed at 3:00 p.m. The bowl 740 haspellets 752 in it for the pet 790.

FIG. 9C provides a third schematic view of the control unit 770 inwireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. Here, a newreal time status report concerning feeding is shown in the display 975.The display 975 shows that the feeding bowl 740 was emptied of anyremaining food at 3:15 p.m. It can be seen in FIG. 9C that the bowl 740has no pellets 752 in it for the pet.

FIG. 10A is another schematic view showing a display 1075 for thecontrol unit 770. The control unit 770 is again in communication withthe animal feeding device 700 through wireless signals 772. In the viewof FIG. 10A, the display 1075 presents a new feeding schedule. Thefeeding schedule operates according to a portion-control feeding method,wherein each portion is ⅛th of a cup. Feeding takes place in two hourincrements from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The display 1075 of FIG. 10A differs from the display 775 of FIG. 7A inthat a treat is scheduled to be dispensed at 9:00 p.m. In addition, theconveyor belt 230 is programmed to move slowly so that food is dispensedcontinuously but slowly over the course of a 10 to 15 minute period,depending on pet needs. This prevents the animal from gulping its food.

In FIG. 10A, a bowl 740 is shown with the animal feeding system 1000.The bowl 740 is empty as a treat has not yet been dispensed.

FIG. 10B is a second schematic view showing the control unit 770 inwireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. Here, a realtime status report concerning feeding is shown in the display 1075. Thedisplay 1075 shows that a treat has been dispensed. “Spike has receiveda treat.” In addition, the display 1075 shows that the pet hasapproached the bowl 740.

In FIG. 10B, a treat 755 is shown in the bowl 740. The treat 755 wasdispensed from a treat container 715 associated with the dispensingsystem 700. In addition, the pet 790 is positioned in front of the bowl740. The pet 790 is wearing a collar communication device 795 thatelectronically interfaces with the control unit 770.

FIG. 11 is yet another schematic view of the control unit 770 inwireless communication with the animal feeding device 700. A display1175 for the control unit 770 is seen. Here, a real time status reportof feeding activity is provided on the display 1175. The display 1175provides reports for two different animals, named Spike and Perry. Theanimals are also shown at 1190′ and 1190″.

In FIG. 11, pellets 752 of food have been dispensed into a feeding bowl740. In addition, each of pets 1190′ and 1190″ has approached the bowl740. Each pet 1190′ and 1190″ is wearing a communications device 1195that electronically interfaces with the control unit 770. In one aspect,the feeding system 700 includes a sensor that senses when each animal isin immediate proximity to the bowl 740 through the communications device1195, and then sends a signal 772 to the control unit 770.

According to the display 775, at 9:00 pm one animal 1190′ (Spike) doesnot have access to the bowl 740, while the other animal 1190″ (Perry)does have access to the bowl 740. However, at 9:15 pm Perry 1190″ hasaccess to the bowl 740 while Spike does not. This is a demonstration ofa selective access feeding method.

Selective access may be accomplished in one of several ways. This may beby enclosing the feeding bowl 740 in a separate housing with a door thatallows or restricts access based on reading the communication device1195 on the pets 1190′, 1190″. Alternatively, the bowl 740 itself may becovered with a panel (not shown) that moves to cover or uncover the food752 when triggered by a communications device 1195. Alternatively, thebowl 740 may move, such as by rotation, to a covered or uncoveredposition. Alternatively still, a stimulus mechanism on the collar may beactivated when the animal comes into proximity to the feeding bowl 740at the wrong time. Such a stimulus may include a noise or the deliveryof a mild electrical stimulus sent through electrodes mounted on thecollars.

As can be seen, a novel animal feeding system is offered herein. Thefeeding system offers improved mechanical features over existingdevices, including a durable conveyor system that will not bind orbecome clogged because of lodged food pellets. Further, the feedingsystem enables a user to employ multiple feeding methods through aprogrammable control unit, including a slow-feed method which provides atimed distribution of food in small quantities. Still further, thefeeding system provides two-way communication by plugging in a connectedaccessory, giving the pet owner the convenience of taking anon-connected product and creating a wireless connection with the petowner using an application that can be uploaded onto a personal digitalassistant, or accessed using a general purpose computer through awebsite.

A method of delivering dry pet food to an animal is also providedherein. The method generally includes providing a bowl. The bowl definesa wall and an interior basin for holding a dry pet food. The method alsoincludes filling a container with the pet food. The food in thecontainer is positioned to gravitationally fall into a receptacle belowthe container. The method also includes programming an animal feedingsystem that periodically activates a conveyor belt for transporting thedry pet food into the bowl.

The user may select from any of the following feeding methods:

(a) portion control feeding, wherein a designated amount of food isdispensed into the feeding bowl one or more times per day, suchdesignated amount being less than a full volume of the feeding bowl;

(b) slow-feeding, wherein a designated amount of food is dispensed intothe feeding bowl one or more times per day, but with the conveyorcycling at a substantially reduced rate to limit the presentation offood to the pet;

(c) free choice feeding, wherein a set portion of food is alwaysavailable to the pet to eat from whenever they desire;

(d) timed feeding, wherein a set portion of food is available to the petfor a certain period of time, and then removed at the end of that setperiod of time;

(e) treat dispenser feeding, wherein a solid pet treat is dispensedautomatically according to a timer, or immediately in response to asignal sent by the user through a remote control unit; and

(f) selective access feeding, wherein the animal feeding system is ableto distinguish between two or more pets such that a selected pet isunable to access a feeding bowl at certain times.

The present method also allows the pet owner to input data about a pet.The data appears on a display. FIG. 12A presents an illustrative display1275 from a control unit 770. The display 1275 presents health statusand goals for a pet.

FIG. 12B presents the same display 1275. Here, the display 1275 shows afeeding schedule and user notes. FIG. 12C is still another view of thedisplay 1275. Here, an emotional feed button is shown, ready to dispensea treat. User notes are also shown.

The display 1275 of FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C demonstrate that the animalfeeding systems herein may be used as part of a holistic weightmanagement system. The weight management system enables the user totrack, record, monitor and maintain their pet's weight and feedingroutines. Such data can also be shared, reviewed and altered with theinteraction of a veterinarian.

The automatic animal feeding system can be set up and operated locallythrough a control unit that is located on the device itself. In oneembodiment, the pet owner can also attach a “module” that will allow thefeeding device to be accessed via wireless communication. In thisscenario, a software application may be downloaded to communicate withthe module and to interface with and operate the animal feeding systemremotely.

In certain embodiments, the system notifies the pet owner when food or atreat have been dispensed, as well as when the pet has approached thebowl (that is, when the pet is wearing a communications collar). In oneaspect, the system will also alert the pet owner when the container andthe bowl are at full, half full, or near empty status. If there is apower issue, the system will alert the owner as to the battery status.

An animal feeding system is described herein. One embodiment of thesystem is disclosed in FIGS. 1A to 2D. Such disclosure describes anelectrical/mechanical pet feeder system 100 using a conveyor system 200to dispense pet food. FIG. 1A shows the animal feeding system. FIG. 1Cis another perspective view of the animal feeding system 100 of FIG. 1A.In this view, the housing 105 (as seen in FIG. 1A) has been removed toexpose a conveyor belt 230 within the receptacle 120. The conveyor belt230 is broken up into compartments (shown at 235 in FIG. 2B), and iscycled by a drive motor 130 that is operated by a controller. Thecontroller is preferably a micro-processor or microcontroller 160.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an animal feeding system 1300. Thesystem 1300 includes a pet food receptacle 1310 residing on a platformbase 1320. The receptacle dispenses food 1330 (as seen in the cutout ofFIG. 13) through an opening 1350 and into a feeding chute 1340 butembodiments are not so limited. The receptacle 1310 may comprise aretractable door/wall (not shown) positioned between an interior of thereceptacle and the chute 1340 for controlling delivery of the food tothe chute. A user may fill the receptacle 1310 with pet food 1330. Underone embodiment, pet food in the receptacle 1310 may then gravitationallydispense into the chute 1340 when the door is open. Therefore,positioning of the door (fully open, partially open, etc.) for a givenperiod of time controls the amount of food dispensed into the chute1340. In lieu of a conveyor system, an internal raised floor may bepositioned within the receptacle 1310 at approximately the level of theopening's 1350 lower end. Such floor may facilitate dispensing of foodand prevent build up and eventual spoilage of food at a lower end of thereceptacle 1310. Alternatively, a conveyor system may be used to deliverfood to the chute.

The chute 1340 may further direct any dispensed food into a dish or bowl(not shown). A dish or bowl may ship together with the food dispensingsystem 1300. The distal end of the chute may itself comprise abowl/dish. Alternatively, a user may purchase a separate dish or bowland simply use such dish or bowl in connection with the food dispensingsystem 1300 to receive food from a chute 1340. A user may simplyposition a bowl beneath or in proximity to the distal end of the chute1340 for receiving the pet food. One embodiment may eliminate the chutealtogether and place a bowl beneath an opening in a receptacle 1310configured to dispense food directly into a bowl. Under this embodiment,the platform base 1320 may comprise a recessed portion to receive thebowl so that the bowl is positioned directly underneath the opening.

As described above, the feed system 1300 may rely on a simpleretractable door and chute 1340 to gravitationally dispense food 1330 toa bowl. Further, the receptacle may deliver pet food to the chute 1340using some form of the conveyor system 200 described above with respectto FIGS. 1A to 2D. As seen in such figures and corresponding disclosure,a conveyor system 200 is configured to move pellets of pet foodaccording to timed cycles. To do this, the conveyor system 200 works inconjunction with a drive motor 130. The motor 130 may be batteryoperated, but may alternatively operate under line power.

When activated, the drive motor 130 turns a drive shaft 134. The driveshaft 134, in turn, rotates a conveyor shaft (shown at 232 in FIG. 2B)and connected drive pulley (shown at 234 in FIG. 2B). The mechanicalinterface between the drive shaft 132 and the conveyor shaft 232 may beby means of a gear. Turning of the conveyor shaft 232 causes theconveyor belt 230 to be actuated. In this way, the conveyor belt 230 isrotated by the electric motor 130 to pick up volumes of the dry pet foodfrom the receptacle 120 (as seen in FIGS. 1A-2D).

The conveyor system shown in FIGS. 1A-2D describes a conveyor beltdisposed at an inclination to transport food along the belt within thereceptacle to a point at which the food drops off the belt through anopening and into a bowl/dish. The feeding system 1300 of FIG. 13 maysimilarly feature a conveyor belt within the receptacle 1310. Suchreceptacle may integrally incorporate angled surfaces within itsinterior to funnel pet food to a conveyor belt “pick up” location withinthe receptacle 1310. However, the receptacle 1310 may also receive andpartially support a container (not shown) analogous to the container 110shown in FIGS. 1A-2D and which includes a lower inwardly angled portionresiding within the receptacle 1310 and taking the shape of a funnel.Such lower portion may then direct pet food to a conveyor belt a “pickup” location within the receptacle 1310. Such conveyor belt thenoperates to deliver food directly to the chute 1340 via opening 1350.

It should be noted that the feeding system 200 set forth above in FIGS.1A-2D features a chute that itself functions as a simple opening. Inaccordance with such system, dispensed food drops through an opening andinto a dish or bowl. The feeding system 1300 of FIG. 13 features a chute1340 comprising a sloping channel or slide for conveying food to a lowerlevel.

A proximal end of the chute 1340 may itself extend into the interior ofthe receptacle (not shown) to form an interior compartment for receivingfood from the conveyor belt. A retractable door may separate theinterior compartment from the exterior portion of the chute 1340. Inoperation, the conveyor belt transports the food 1330 along the belt toa point at which the food drops off the belt and into such interiorcompartment. Opening the door then dispenses the food into the chute1340. The apex of the chute itself may be sufficiently elevated such thefood deposited into chute 1340 gravitationally travels down the chuteand into the bowl. The proximal end of the chute 1340 may besufficiently sloped to facilitate gravitationally dispensing the food.

A conveyor belt may comprise a series of compartments formed by wallsdisposed along the surface of the conveyor belt (see FIG. 2D for anexample) for holding defined volumes of dry pet food. Variations in thevolume of such compartments and rotational speed of the conveyor beltenable delivery of variable food portions. The microcontroller ormicroprocessor controlling the drive shaft of a conveyor system maytrack the belt's period of rotation during operation and therefore trackand monitor volume of dispensed food in view of conveyor belt'sconfiguration, i.e. volume of belt compartments. Note that themicrocontroller of the conveyor system is communicatively coupled withmicrocontroller 1360 and may transmit dispensing information tomicrocontroller as further described below.

As indicated above, FIG. 13 shows an animal feeding system 1300comprising a pet food receptacle 1310 positioned on a platform base1320. The platform base 1320 includes a microcontroller 1360.Alternatively, the receptacle may itself comprise the microcontroller1360. A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integratedcircuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmableinput/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of SRAM, FLASH, andEEPROM are also often included on such chip. Microcontrollers aredesigned for embedded applications.

Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products anddevices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medicaldevices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toysand other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to adesign that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/outputdevices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control evenmore devices and processes.

A microcontroller may be considered a self-contained system with aprocessor, memory and peripherals. Such system can be used as anembedded system to provide designated functionality. The majority ofmicrocontrollers in use today are embedded in other machinery, such asautomobiles, telephones, appliances, devices and peripherals forcomputer systems. Such embedded systems may perform directed functionswithin other devices such as the animal feeding system 1300 as furtherdescribed below.

The microcontroller 1360 of base 1320 includes or is coupled to atransceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless communications.Accordingly, the microcontroller 1360 serves as a communications moduleenabling wireless network communications.

FIG. 14 shows a wireless network 1400 comprising the microcontroller1360 of the feed system 1300, a smartphone 1460 (generally belonging toan operator of the food dispensing system 1300), and a wireless routeror communications hub 1470. All such components are communicativelycoupled through the wireless network 1400. As indicated above, themicrocontroller 1360 either includes or is coupled to a transceiver fortransmission and receipt of wireless communications. The smartphone 1460and local router/hub 1470 are similarly equipped with networkingcapability.

The wireless network 1400 of FIG. 14 comprises under one embodiment aWireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The WLAN enables communicationsamong networked components using Wi-Fi protocols. Wi-Fi (or WiFi) is alocal area wireless computer networking technology that allowselectronic devices to network, mainly using the 2.4 gigahertz Ultra HighFrequency (UHF) and 5 gigahertz Super High Frequency (SHF) ISM radiobands.

The Wi-Fi Alliance defines Wi-Fi as any wireless local area network(WLAN) product based on the Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineer’ (IEEE) 802.11 standards. However, the term “Wi-Fi” is used ingeneral English as a synonym for “WLAN” since most modern WLANs arebased on these standards. “Wi-Fi” is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.The “Wi-Fi Certified” trademark can only be used by Wi-Fi products thatsuccessfully complete Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability certificationtesting.

Many devices can use Wi-Fi, e.g. personal computers, video-gameconsoles, smartphones, digital cameras, tablet computers and digitalaudio players. These can connect to a network resource such as theInternet via a wireless network access point (e.g. wireless router).Such an access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 meters (66feet) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can be assmall as a single room with walls that block radio waves, or as large asmany square kilometers achieved by using multiple overlapping accesspoints.

Wi-Fi can be less secure than wired connections, such as Ethernet,precisely because an intruder does not need a physical connection. Webpages that use TLS are secure, but unencrypted internet access caneasily be detected by intruders. Because of this, Wi-Fi has adoptedvarious encryption technologies. The early encryption WEP proved easy tobreak. Higher quality protocols (WPA, WPA2) were added later.

Under this WiFi embodiment, the microcontroller 1360 of base 1320 andthe smartphone 1460 (both WiFi enabled) communicate with the WiFi router1470 which is itself coupled to one or more Wide Area Networks (WANs) toprovide general internet connectivity. Note also the smartphone 1460 andthe microcontroller 1360 may also communicate directly with each otherusing WiFi communications protocols.

The wireless network 1400 of FIG. 14 comprises under an alternativeembodiment a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). A personal areanetwork (PAN) is a computer network used for data transmission amongdevices such as computers, telephones and personal digital assistants.PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves(intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher levelnetwork and the Internet (an uplink).

A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a personal area network—anetwork for interconnecting devices centered on an individual person'sworkspace—in which the connections are wireless. Wireless PAN is basedon the standard IEEE 802.15. One type of wireless technology used forWPAN is Bluetooth. Bluetooth uses short-range radio waves over distancesup to approximately 10 meters. For example, Bluetooth devices such as akeyboards, pointing devices, audio headsets, printers, and embeddedmicrocontrollers may connect to personal digital assistants (PDAs),smart phones, routers, or computers wirelessly. Further, a WPAN may alsoenable communications among networked components using Wireless USB,Zigbee or Z-Wave communication protocols.

Under this WPAN embodiment, the microcontroller 1360 of base 1320 andthe smartphone 1460 (both capable of at least one form of the WPANcompatible communications described above) communicate with the localrouter which is itself coupled to one or more Wide Area Networks (WANs)to provide general internet connectivity. Note also the smartphone 1460and the microcontroller 1360 may also communicate directly with eachother using WPAN communications protocols (i.e. using at least one formof the WPAN compatible communications described above).

The microcontroller 1360 of the food dispensing system 1300 may comprisean embedded system for controlling the timing and amount of fooddelivered to a chute 1340 of the food dispensing system 1300. As oneexample, the microcontroller may present food delivery options(amount/timing) to a user through an LCD touchscreen interface or akeypad positioned on or connected to an exterior surface of the fooddispensing system 1300. A user may then use the keypad or touchscreen toschedule the release of selected meal portions at particular times orduring specified time intervals. Under one embodiment, one or moreapplications running on at least one processor of the smartphone maypresent the user with an interface for programming the release of foodthrough the feeding system 1300 at a particular time or within a giventime interval. The smartphone then transmits the scheduling informationto the microcontroller 1360 via the WLAN/WPAN (or directly via device todevice communications) which then transmits control signals to theconveyor system of the pet feeding system 1300. (Note that amicrocontroller controlling the drive motor of such conveyor system isalso communicatively coupled with microcontroller 1360. Therefore, suchconveyor microcontroller may receive control signals and transmit fooddispensing information to microcontroller 1360 of base 1320.

The microcontroller 1360 may under an embodiment receive dispensinginformation from the conveyor system of the pet feeding system 1300. Theconveyor system or other detection components within the receptacle 1310may monitor the level of pet food within the receptacle. Under anotherembodiment, the pet food receptacle is positioned over a platform base1320 as seen in FIG. 14. The base 1320 may under this embodimentcomprise a scale. The scale monitors the weight of the feeding systemcomponents including the pet food. The conveyor system, scale or otherdetection device are communicatively coupled with the microcontroller1360 and transmit fill level data to the microcontroller 1360.Alternatively, the detection device may comprise an infrared sensor1380.

When the pet food fill level of the receptacle falls below a thresholdlevel (as interpreted by microcontroller 1360), the microcontroller 1360may automatically initiate communications via the local router/hub 1470with an e-commerce application in order to re-order food for the feedingsystem. (It should be noted that threshold level metrics correspond tothe detection device. For example, in view of a scale sensor, thresholdlevel data comprises weight data). Under one embodiment, themicrocontroller 1360 may simply notify the user via LCD display orsmartphone application interface that food levels are low. The user maythen initiate e-commerce re-ordering via a smartphone applicationinterface. Such smartphone application and interface are furtherdescribed below. Alternatively, the LCD display may be coupled to theWLAN/WPAN. A user may then initiate e-commerce re-ordering via the LCDdisplay directly.

FIG. 14 shows a smartphone 1460 communicatively coupled with the feedingsystem 1300 and a local router 1470. As indicated above, a combinationof the conveyor system, scale and/or other detection device within thefeeding system 1300 provides fill level and food dispensing informationto the microcontroller 1360. The microcontroller may then provide suchinformation to the user's smartphone. The microcontroller may deliversuch information to the smartphone using direct wireless communications.Alternatively, the microcontroller may communication such informationvia the local router to one or more applications running on at least oneprocessor of a remote server. The one or more applications may thencommunicate the fill level/food dispensing information to the user'ssmartphone using general internet connectivity. Accordingly, theremotely hosted applications may provide system 1300 information toremotely located smartphones or mobile computing platforms (i.e., remoteto the local WLAN/WPAN network). Conversely, an application running on asmartphone may provide an ability to configure, control and monitorsystem 1300 functionality and activity from a remote location.

The application running on the smartphone may provide the user aninterface displaying fill level/food dispensing information. As seen inFIG. 14, the interface provides the user fill level information in theform of a pie chart 1490. As another example, the interface may displaythe date and time 1480 that the system 1300 dispenses meals includingthe amount of delivered food. (Such interface displays may use anycombination of interface pages, displays, icons, and general workflowcomponents to display such information). The smartphone also provides auser configuration options. As already described above with respect toFIGS. 5-12C, an interface may provide the user an opportunity toconfigure the times and volumes of meals to be dispensed to an animal.The interface may also provide the user an opportunity to reorder foodfor the system 1300. The user may automate reordering of food (via theapplication) when feed levels in the receptacle drop below a certainthreshold (and as reported to the application via microcontroller 1360)or may simply rely on food level alerts to prompt a manual reordering offood using the application interface. As indicated above, the smartphoneapplication provides the user an ability to configure, control andmonitor system 1300 functionality and activity from a remote location.

An alternative embodiment of an animal feeding system places a removableweight scale underneath a pre-existing food containment or storage unit.FIG. 15 shows a weight scale which may then serve as a platform for afood storage unit. The scale integrates with a preexisting foodcontainment unit of the user's choosing and tracks the food levels byweight. In the embodiments described below, the scale operates tomonitor food levels in a storage/container unit while a separate petfeeder dispenses the food. The scale monitors fill levels of thestorage/container as a user transfers food from the storage/containerunit to the dispensing device.

FIG. 15 shows a weight scale 1500, under an embodiment. The scaleincludes a tare button 1510 for establishing tare weight as describedbelow. The scale includes one or more processors 1520 configured towirelessly communicate with remote devices as described below. One ormore applications run on the one or more processors for controllingfunctionality of the scale. The applications are configured to establishtare weight as further described below. Further, the one or moreapplications may track fill level of a container. The one or moreapplications may also estimate the rate at which food is removed fromthe container. Such information may be used to predict the fill levelsof the container, i.e. to predict when the fill level of the containerwill be low.

It should be noted that scales generally use a tare weight at zero. Asan alternative, tare weight is calibrated to a desired fill level of thefood container unit. Under an embodiment, a user may pour an amount offood to a fill level that corresponds to a threshold level indicating aneed to reorder. A user then hits the tare button. In future operationof the scale, when the food weight matches the baseline weight or a tarethreshold, the replenishment process is initiated.

Scales generally activate upon sensing a certain amount of weight.However, when the scale operates as a removable base of a pet foodstorage unit, weight is always present on top of the scale. The scalemay therefore be alternatively configured to wake up (i) on a timedelay, (ii) based on proximity detection of nearby movement, or (iii)upon detection of slight changes in weight. In using these types ofdetections, the scale may be powered by batteries rather than poweredfrom a wall outlet.

FIG. 16 shows a wireless network 1600 comprising at least one processor1520 of the tare scale 1500, a smartphone 1640, a wireless router orcommunications hub (or other access point) 1630, and a pet feeder 1650.All such components are configured to communicatively couple through thewireless network 1600. As already described in detail above with respectto FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the wireless network may comprise a WPAN or WLANnetwork. The router 1630 may provide general internet connectivity.Under an alternative embodiment, the network of FIG. 16 may exclude therouter 1630. Under this embodiment, the pet feeder 1650 may providegeneral internet connectivity. Further, the tare scale 1500, smartphone1640, and pet feeder 1650 may communicate directly with each other usingwireless communications protocols implemented by WPAN/WLAN networks.

As one example of the scale in operation, the scale is positioned undera pet food storage unit. The scale then weighs the payload. Thisoperation may be implemented via a button on the device or a virtualbutton in a smartphone application communicatively coupled with thescale. There is a process to initialize the scale for use with a user'sfood container. First, the scale is placed into a setup mode. This isperformed by press of a button (or coded press such as a long press ordouble press of a button) on the physical device or a similar press of avirtual button in the application. Instructions are then shown to theuser (through an electronic display on the scale or smartphone). Step 1,set the scale on a flat surface. The display indicates advance to Step 2which instructs a user to add an empty container on top of the scale.The display indicates advance to Step 3 which instructs a user to addthe amount of food to the container that triggers a low food event. Theone or more applications running on processor 1520 measure the weight ofthe container including food at a low threshold level. The displayindicates advance to Step 4 which instructs a user to fill the containerwith food. The one or more applications running on processor 1520 thenmeasure the weight of the container and food including the additionalfood amount. The applications running on processor 1520 intermittentlyassess payload weight to determine if a notification is required. If themonitored weight matches the threshold weight level (which incorporatesthe weight of the container itself as described above), the one or moreapplications may send instructions to one or more remote e-commerceapplications to initiate the replenishment process, i.e. to place aresupply order for food. This instruction may be routed to remotee-commerce applications through any one or combination of router, petfeeder, and smartphone device.

The one or more applications running on processor 1520 may implement amodel to estimate food usage over time in order to forecast food usage.The device may log the food decrease increments. By knowing the averageand standard deviation of food decrease increments the device maypredict how many feedings remain in the storage container. The timestampof when the food increments are removed is also logged. This informationmay be used to estimate a rate of food consumption. FIG. 17 shows amodel for estimating a rate of food consumption. The model forestimating rate of food consumption is further described below.

The rate of food consumption (m_(remain)) and other estimates describedbelow may be computed using one or more of the following measurements:

wt_(empty)=weight of container without food

wt_(full)=weight of container including food at maximum level

wt_(current)=current weight of container including food

wt_(feed)=weight of food amount incrementally removed from container

time_(current)=a given time in days indicated along timeline

time_(full)=time when weight of container and food is returned towt_(full)

wt_(notify)=weight of container and food at level triggeringnotification

The rate of food consumption is then calculated as:

$m_{remain} = \frac{{wt_{current}} - {wt_{full}}}{{time_{current}} - {time_{full}}}$

FIG. 17 visually illustrates rate of food consumption over time. FIG. 17shows a “weight full” 1702 (wt_(full)) measurement, i.e. the weight of acontainer including food at maximum level. FIG. 17 also indicates a“weight feed” 1704 (wt_(feed)) incremental measurement which indicatesthe amount of food removed from the container at pet feeding intervals.FIG. 17 displays the “current weight” 1706 (wt_(current)) current) ofthe container including food at a “current time” 1708 (time_(current)) \along timeline. The measurement “weight empty” 1710 (wt_(empty))indicates the weight of the food container itself when empty. Themeasurement “weight notification” 1712 (wt_(notify)) corresponds to theweight of the container including a level of food which triggers anotification event (see step 3 of the scale initialization describedabove). Note that wt_(notify)>wt_(feed). The measurement “weight newfull” 1740 (wt_(new full)) corresponds to the weight of the containerincluding food at a replenished full level.

As food is removed from the container over time, a rate of consumptionover time 1720 (m_(remain)) may be estimated. FIG. 17 visually depictsan estimated rate of consumption with triangle 1722. The rise 1730 ofthe triangle corresponds to the total amount of food removed betweentime t₀ and time t₁. The run 1732 of the triangle comprises the amountof time elapsed between time t₀ and time t₁. The rise over run estimatesa rate of consumption corresponding the to the calculation of m_(remain)set forth above. The times t₀ and t₁ may correspond to wt_(current)measurements before and after a single removal of food or multipleremovals of food. As one example, the times t₀ and t₁ correspondrespectively to the wt_(full) measurement and the most recentwt_(current) measurement.

The estimated rate of consumption may then be used to estimate theperiod time between current time and occurrence of a notification event,i.e. notification that food fill level equals the notification filllevel. The days until notification is estimated as follows:

${{days}{until}{notification}} = \frac{{wt_{current}} - {wt_{notify}}}{m_{remain}}$

The estimated rate of consumption may also be used to estimate daysuntil the container is empty as follows:

${{days}{until}{empty}} = \frac{{wt_{current}} - {wt_{empty}}}{m_{remain}}$

FIG. 18 shows a method of initializing a scale for use with a user'sfood container and estimating a rate of consumption, under anembodiment. The method includes 1810 turning on the weight scale. Themethod includes 1820 placing an empty food container on the scale. Themethod includes 1830 adding an amount of food to the containercorresponding to a fill level triggering a notification/reorder event.The method includes 1840 filling the container to a maximum or otherwisedesired fill level. The method 1850 includes entering an estimated orassumed consumption rate. The method 1860 includes estimating a time tonotification based on the estimated/assumed consumption rate. The method1870 includes continuously recalculating a rate of consumption and timeto notification based on observed consumption rate data.

Information derived from the model described above may be used toschedule weight measurements. For example, when the scale is nearmaximum weight, an estimated rate of consumption may be used to predictthe moment the scale will register a threshold “low event” weight. Thescale may then be configured to remain dormant for many, many daysprolonging battery life. The scale may wake up every 3 days when thecontainer is full to take a weight measurement. As another example, thescale may wake up every 8 hours when half full to take a weightmeasurement. As the scale determines it is closer to its Tare threshold,it increases its sample frequency to ensure that replenishment occurs onschedule.

Under one embodiment, a proximity sensor may be added to the weightscale. Whenever food is removed from the storage container, the personremoving the food is in proximity to the scale. Accordingly, a low-powerproximity sensor may be used to detect such presence and trigger aweight measurement. A proximity sensing device may include an infraredsensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, and/or other sensingtechnologies.

Another embodiment of the scale detects mechanical changes in the scale.Accordingly, changes in weight may trigger a weight measurement. Suchembodiment ensures a measurement when food has been removed from thestorage container. Further, the detected weight change may initiate atime delayed measurement. This approach ensures that the food removaloccurs prior to weight measurement.

The processor of a tare scale may compensate for drift in the scale. Asweight sits on the scale, typical resistive scales will drift over timeresulting in either an overestimate or underestimate in weight. Lineardrifts to an analog system may be ignored by an analog to digitalconverter. According to the calculation methods described, the driftbetween replenishment does not become a factor until it surpasses theweight of a feeding and the drift becomes insurmountable if it growslarger than the notification weight. Also note that an embodiment of thescale may include sensors that demonstrate minimal drift relative to theweight of the food container and food container including food.

While a removable tare weight scale may use tare weights to establish abaseline refill level, a user may wish to set many notification points.An application running on a smartphone may provide a user with suchflexibility. A user may provide inputs to the application inestablishing both the auto-replenish weight and an alert weight whichsimply triggers a notification alert that food is very low. Under suchembodiment, the application may eliminate the need for tare weighbuttons on the scale itself.

As described above, a tare scale (serving as a base for a food storageunit), a smartphone, a wireless router, and a pet feeder may cooperateas a food monitoring system to monitor the level of food and provideautomated options for replenishing a food supply. Over time, drift mayaffect load cells of the scale that compute weight. Under oneembodiment, a user counteracts the effect of drift through manualintermittent tare calibrations. The user can activate a setup modeoption allowing manual estimate of the container's fill level. As oneexample, the user may tell the device that it is 30% full. This is arough calculation and rough calibration that may quickly remedy anysignificant drifts that may occur. Under an embodiment, the foodmonitoring system may automatically eliminate drift. As described above,the system is aware of ordered food amounts. Therefore, the system mayanticipate the amount of food that will be added on top of existingreserves. The system may then anticipate expected weight scalemeasurements and calibrate the load cells for the next phase of life.This process eliminates a tare process implemented by a user, under oneembodiment.

While the use-cases described above are directed to dry food, the petfood monitoring system may be used to monitor fill levels of otherfoods, e.g., wet, canned food. A user may place a number of canscorresponding to a replenishment threshold on the scale and thenimplement the Tare button/functionality. The user may then stack theremaining cans on top of the scale. As the cans are consumed, the scalemonitors the reduction. Once the weight is below the Tare threshold, thereplenishment process begins as already described above. Further, thepet food monitoring system may be alternatively be used to monitor anysubstance that requires intermittent replacement, e.g. kitty-litter.

FIG. 19 shows a system for monitoring an amount of food in a foodcontainer, under an embodiment. The system includes 1910 a scale devicefor measuring weight of a food container when the food container isremovably positioned on the scale device, wherein the scale devicecomprises at least one processor, wherein one or more applications areconfigured to run on the at least one processor, wherein the one or moreapplications are configured to detect weight of the food container andits contents using the scale device. The system includes 1912 the one ofmore applications configured to detect a first weight measurement of thefood container, wherein the first weight measurement includes weight ofthe food container and a first amount of food. The system includes 1914the one of more applications configured to detect a second weightmeasurement of the food container, wherein the second weight measurementincludes the weight of the food container, the first amount of food, anda second amount of food, wherein the second weight measurement is anupdated weight measurement of the food container, the one or moreapplications configured to subsequently log weight measurements of thefood container and its present contents at time intervals. The systemincludes 1916 the one of more applications configured to intermittentlyadjust the updated weight measurement. The system includes 1918 the oneof more applications configured to provide an alert when the updatedweight measurement is equal to or less than a threshold weightmeasurement.

A system is described herein comprising under an embodiment a scaledevice for measuring weight of a food container when the food containeris removably positioned on the scale device, wherein the scale devicecomprises at least one processor, wherein one or more applications areconfigured to run on the at least one processor, wherein the one or moreapplications are configured to detect weight of the food container andits contents using the scale device. The system includes the one of moreapplications configured to detect a first weight measurement of the foodcontainer, wherein the first weight measurement includes weight of thefood container and a first amount of food. The system includes the oneof more applications configured to detect a second weight measurement ofthe food container, wherein the second weight measurement includes theweight of the food container, the first amount of food, and a secondamount of food, wherein the second weight measurement is an updatedweight measurement of the food container, the one or more applicationsconfigured to subsequently log weight measurements of the food containerand its present contents at time intervals. The system includes the oneof more applications configured to intermittently adjust the updatedweight measurement. The system includes the one of more applicationsconfigured to provide an alert when the updated weight measurement isequal to or less than a threshold weight measurement.

The threshold weight measurement of an embodiment comprises the firstweight measurement.

The adjusting the updated weight measurement comprises subtracting themost recently logged weight measurement from the most recent value ofthe updated weight measurement, under an embodiment.

The scale device of an embodiment comprises a proximity detector.

The proximity detector of an embodiment comprises at least one of aninfrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

The logging the weight measurements occurs when the proximity detectordetects motion of an object in a proximity to the scale device, under anembodiment.

The time intervals of an embodiment comprise fixed time intervals.

The logged weight measurements of an embodiment include a timestamp foreach logged weight measurement.

The one or more applications of an embodiment are configured to use thelogged weight measurements and corresponding timestamps to estimate arate by which food is removed from the food container.

The one or more applications of an embodiment are configured to use therate for predicting a future time when the updated weight measurement isequal to or less than the threshold weight measurement.

The one or more applications of an embodiment are configured to use therate for scheduling the time intervals of the logged weightmeasurements.

The scheduling comprises reducing length of the time intervals aspresent time approaches the predicted future time, under an embodiment.

The alert of an embodiment comprises a visual communication deliveredthrough an electronic interface of the scale device.

The one or more applications of an embodiment are communicativelycoupled with a remote application running on a processor of asmartphone.

The alert of an embodiment comprises sending a communication to theremote application, wherein the remote application provides the alert toan electronic display of the smartphone.

The one or more applications of an embodiment are communicativelycoupled with at least one application running on a remote server.

The providing the alert includes initiating communication with the atleast one application for ordering additional food to replenish the foodcontainer, under an embodiment.

A method is described herein that includes under an embodiment measuringweight of a food container and its contents, wherein the measuringcomprises detecting a first weight measurement of the food container,wherein the first weight measurement includes weight of the foodcontainer and a first amount of food, wherein the measuring comprisesdetecting a second weight measurement of the food container, wherein thesecond weight measurement includes the weight of the food container, thefirst amount of food, and a second amount of food, wherein the secondweight measurement is an updated weight measurement of the foodcontainer, wherein weight of the food container and its present contentsare subsequently logged at time intervals. The method includesintermittently adjusting the updated weight measurement. The methodincludes providing an alert when the updated weight measurement is equalto or less than a threshold weight measurement.

The threshold weight measurement of an embodiment comprises the firstweight measurement.

The adjusting the updated weight measurement comprises subtracting themost recently logged weight measurement from the most recent value ofthe updated weight measurement, under an embodiment.

The scale device of an embodiment comprises a proximity detector,wherein the proximity detector comprises at least one of an infraredsensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

The logging the weight measurements occurs when the proximity detectordetects motion of an object in a proximity to the scale device, under anembodiment.

The time intervals of an embodiment comprise fixed time intervals.

The logged weight measurements of an embodiment include a timestamp foreach logged weight measurement.

The method of an embodiment uses the logged weight measurements andcorresponding timestamps to estimate a rate by which food is removedfrom the container.

The method of an embodiment uses the rate for predicting a future timewhen the updated weight measurement is equal to or less than thethreshold weight measurement.

The method of an embodiment uses the rate for scheduling the timeintervals of the logged weight measurements.

The scheduling comprises reducing length of the time intervals aspresent time approaches the predicted future time, under an embodiment.

The alert of an embodiment comprises a visual communication deliveredthrough an electronic interface of the scale device.

Computer networks suitable for use with the embodiments described hereininclude local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet,or other connection services and network variations such as the worldwide web, the public internet, a private internet, a private computernetwork, a public network, a mobile network, a cellular network, avalue-added network, and the like. Computing devices coupled orconnected to the network may be any microprocessor controlled devicethat permits access to the network, including terminal devices, such aspersonal computers, workstations, servers, mini computers, main-framecomputers, laptop computers, mobile computers, palm top computers, handheld computers, mobile phones, TV set-top boxes, or combinationsthereof. The computer network may include one of more LANs, WANs,Internets, and computers. The computers may serve as servers, clients,or a combination thereof.

The networked weight scale for smart ordering can be a component of asingle system, multiple systems, and/or geographically separate systems.The networked weight scale for smart ordering can also be a subcomponentor subsystem of a single system, multiple systems, and/or geographicallyseparate systems. The components of networked weight scale for smartordering can be coupled to one or more other components (not shown) of ahost system or a system coupled to the host system.

One or more components of the networked weight scale for smart orderingand/or a corresponding interface, system or application to which thenetworked weight scale for smart ordering is coupled or connectedincludes and/or runs under and/or in association with a processingsystem. The processing system includes any collection of processor-baseddevices or computing devices operating together, or components ofprocessing systems or devices, as is known in the art. For example, theprocessing system can include one or more of a portable computer,portable communication device operating in a communication network,and/or a network server. The portable computer can be any of a numberand/or combination of devices selected from among personal computers,personal digital assistants, portable computing devices, and portablecommunication devices, but is not so limited. The processing system caninclude components within a larger computer system.

The processing system of an embodiment includes at least one processorand at least one memory device or subsystem. The processing system canalso include or be coupled to at least one database. The term“processor” as generally used herein refers to any logic processingunit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digitalsignal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits(ASIC), etc. The processor and memory can be monolithically integratedonto a single chip, distributed among a number of chips or components,and/or provided by some combination of algorithms. The methods describedherein can be implemented in one or more of software algorithm(s),programs, firmware, hardware, components, circuitry, in any combination.

The components of any system that include networked weight scale forsmart ordering can be located together or in separate locations.Communication paths couple the components and include any medium forcommunicating or transferring files among the components. Thecommunication paths include wireless connections, wired connections, andhybrid wireless/wired connections. The communication paths also includecouplings or connections to networks including local area networks(LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs),proprietary networks, interoffice or backend networks, and the Internet.Furthermore, the communication paths include removable fixed mediumslike floppy disks, hard disk drives, and CD-ROM disks, as well as flashRAM, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, RS-232 connections,telephone lines, buses, and electronic mail messages.

Aspects of the networked weight scale for smart ordering andcorresponding systems and methods described herein may be implemented asfunctionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, includingprogrammable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electricallyprogrammable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices,as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some otherpossibilities for implementing aspects of the networked weight scale forsmart ordering and corresponding systems and methods include:microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors,firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the networked weightscale for smart ordering and corresponding systems and methods may beembodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation,discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy(neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above devicetypes. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in avariety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic(ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer andmetal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital,etc.

It should be noted that any system, method, and/or other componentsdisclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools andexpressed (or represented), as data and/or instructions embodied invarious computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, registertransfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or othercharacteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted dataand/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to,non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic orsemiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used totransfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless,optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examplesof transfers of such formatted data and/or instructions by carrier wavesinclude, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail,etc.) over the Internet and/or other computer networks via one or moredata transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.). When receivedwithin a computer system via one or more computer-readable media, suchdata and/or instruction-based expressions of the above describedcomponents may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or moreprocessors) within the computer system in conjunction with execution ofone or more other computer programs.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, refer to this application as awhole and not to any particular portions of this application. When theword “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that wordcovers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of theitems in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination ofthe items in the list.

The above description of embodiments of the networked weight scale forsmart ordering is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systemsand methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodimentsof, and examples for, the networked weight scale for smart ordering andcorresponding systems and methods are described herein for illustrativepurposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scopeof the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art willrecognize. The teachings of the networked weight scale for smartordering and corresponding systems and methods provided herein can beapplied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems andmethods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can becombined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can bemade to the networked weight scale for smart ordering and correspondingsystems and methods in light of the above detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising a scale device for measuringweight of a food container when the food container is removablypositioned on the scale device, wherein the scale device comprises atleast one processor, wherein one or more applications are configured torun on the at least one processor, wherein the one or more applicationsare configured to detect weight of the food container and its contentsusing the scale device; the one of more applications configured todetect a first weight measurement of the food container, wherein thefirst weight measurement includes weight of the food container and afirst amount of food; the one of more applications configured to detecta second weight measurement of the food container, wherein the secondweight measurement includes the weight of the food container, the firstamount of food, and a second amount of food, wherein the second weightmeasurement is an updated weight measurement of the food container, theone or more applications configured to subsequently log weightmeasurements of the food container and its present contents at timeintervals; the one of more applications configured to intermittentlyadjust the updated weight measurement; and the one of more applicationsconfigured to provide an alert when the updated weight measurement isequal to or less than a threshold weight measurement.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the threshold weight measurement comprises the firstweight measurement.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjusting theupdated weight measurement comprises subtracting the most recentlylogged weight measurement from the most recent value of the updatedweight measurement.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the scale devicecomprises a proximity detector.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein theproximity detector comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, anultrasonic sensor, and a capacitive sensor.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the logging the weight measurements occurs when the proximitydetector detects motion of an object in a proximity to the scale device.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the time intervals comprise fixed timeintervals.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the logged weightmeasurements include a timestamp for each logged weight measurement. 9.The system of claim 8, the one or more applications configured to usethe logged weight measurements and corresponding timestamps to estimatea rate by which food is removed from the food container.
 10. The systemof claim 9, the one or more applications configured to use the rate forpredicting a future time when the updated weight measurement is equal toor less than the threshold weight measurement.
 11. The system of claim10, the one or more applications configured to use the rate forscheduling the time intervals of the logged weight measurements.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the scheduling comprises reducing length ofthe time intervals as present time approaches the predicted future time.13. The system of claim 1, wherein the alert comprises a visualcommunication delivered through an electronic interface of the scaledevice.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more applicationsare communicatively coupled with a remote application running on aprocessor of a smartphone.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the alertcomprises sending a communication to the remote application, wherein theremote application provides the alert to an electronic display of thesmartphone.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreapplications are communicatively coupled with at least one applicationrunning on a remote server.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein theproviding the alert includes initiating communication with the at leastone application for ordering additional food to replenish the foodcontainer.
 18. A method, comprising measuring weight of a food containerand its contents, wherein the measuring comprises detecting a firstweight measurement of the food container, wherein the first weightmeasurement includes weight of the food container and a first amount offood, wherein the measuring comprises detecting a second weightmeasurement of the food container, wherein the second weight measurementincludes the weight of the food container, the first amount of food, anda second amount of food, wherein the second weight measurement is anupdated weight measurement of the food container, wherein weight of thefood container and its present contents are subsequently logged at timeintervals; intermittently adjusting the updated weight measurement; andproviding an alert when the updated weight measurement is equal to orless than a threshold weight measurement.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the threshold weight measurement comprises the first weightmeasurement.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the adjusting theupdated weight measurement comprises subtracting the most recentlylogged weight measurement from the most recent value of the updatedweight measurement.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the scale devicecomprises a proximity detector, wherein the proximity detector comprisesat least one of an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and acapacitive sensor.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the logging theweight measurements occurs when the proximity detector detects motion ofan object in a proximity to the scale device.
 23. The method of claim18, wherein the time intervals comprise fixed time intervals.
 24. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the logged weight measurements include atimestamp for each logged weight measurement.
 25. The method of claim24, comprising using the logged weight measurements and correspondingtimestamps to estimate a rate by which food is removed from thecontainer.
 26. The method of claim 25, comprising using the rate forpredicting a future time when the updated weight measurement is equal toor less than the threshold weight measurement.
 27. The method of claim26, comprising using the rate for scheduling the time intervals of thelogged weight measurements.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein thescheduling comprises reducing length of the time intervals as presenttime approaches the predicted future time.
 29. The method of claim 18,wherein the alert comprises a visual communication delivered through anelectronic interface of the scale device.